Choose Courage Saturday, December 1, 2018Theme of the Week: Faith and Hope in ActionDecember 1, 2018

Bible Verse: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8)

Scripture Reading: Philippians 4:1-23

Courage, slightly different from heroics, is a frightening word. More often than not, the heroic deed is inspired by a matter of impulse. There is little time for thought; afterwards, heroes are found processing what just happened.

Courage, on the other hand, counts the cost, faces the fear and does it anyway.

Courageous people are always heroes because they are not moved by a sudden impulse. I’ve lived through times when bullets were flying and beatings were threatened. Truth be told, I didn’t choose those occasions, nor was I courageous. Forced courage is different from chosen courage. Most people don’t think about courage, yet many decide to face hardships rather than quit. Many choose to battle through adversity rather than abandon their responsibilities. Think of the choice Jesus had in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Life requires choices. The Bible extends numerous opportunities to choose wisely. The weak are beaten down by life. They live in their regrets, wallow in their need, whine in their excuses and are often bitter, resenting hardship, people and, ultimately, God.

If there is anything praiseworthy, choose to dwell in those thoughts. Choose to resist bitterness from laying roots in your soul.

Everyone has enough hardships in life to be overwhelmed and succumb to bitterness; however, Jesus offers us the option to love. Any one of us can allow our thoughts to flow through the gutters and sewers of life. Jesus invites us to identify the waste in our lives when purity is squandered on lust or greed or anger. Acting on this challenge requires courage.

Abundant living isn’t for the weak of heart. We can choose the easy, the alluring and the comfortable, but it results in a weakened individual. Society needs those who choose right over easy, pure over alluring, best over comfortable. Society needs the courageous.

Based on Philippians 4:8, decide how Paul’s counsel will influence the choices you face today.

CONTACT US

FOLLOW US

Your financial gifts are very important to us and are always handled with utmost care. Promise Keepers Canada is a member of the Canadian Council of Christian Charities (CCCC), and we take every step necessary to abide by the CCCC’s Standards of Accountability. Canadian Charitable Organization no. 89826 6861 RR0001.Learn More | Terms of Agreement

Blueprint is a framework to ensure effective discipleship of men through the local church. Space is limited and you must pre-register to attend this workshop.

“It was a great presentation – this Blueprint program is “Gold” … friends, I whole heartedly recommend it if your church is looking for a way to do men’s ministry.”

– Norm Bishop, PAOC Men’s Ministry Director Western Ontario

“This framework for ministry to men is the absolute best I’ve seen.”

– Charlie Lyons, Pastor

WHY SHOULD I ATTEND ALL IN ?

1. Grow Closer to God With live worship, engaging speakers and relevant, biblical teaching, the All In conference will help equip you to walk more boldly in your faith.

2. Be a Better Husband and Father This year’s conferences feature a session on Holy Marriage (at all two-day and at some one-day conferences) and a special Youth Breakout session on Love, Sex and Dating. Whether you are married or single, these sessions will help you improve your relationships with the women in your life.

3. Develop Friendships Attending the conference with other guys is a fantastic way to develop new friendships and strengthen the friendships you have.

4. Get Recharged The rat race wears away at each of us. The All In conference will give men a much-needed boost of encouragement to carry on in their daily life, and the energy to move to the next level.